Caleb Williams has officially landed on the Chicago Bears’ injury report for the first time, and Thursday’s list brought a few more familiar and unfamiliar concerns with it.
The Bears’ first Week 3 report was an estimated one, since the team did not practice Thursday. Chicago did work Wednesday, so the report functions more like that day’s availability update. Williams was listed with a hamstring injury and did not practice, matching what Ben Johnson already said: Williams will not take part in practice this week.
Tyson Bagent was also absent, as he remains in concussion protocol. With the game set for Monday, there is still a path for Bagent to clear protocol, since a player has to be out at least five days before he can be cleared. If neither Williams nor Bagent is available, Case Keenum would step in as the starter.
The full Bears injury list also included Grady Jarrett, who was held out for rest, along with Kyle Monangai, Cairo Santos and Tyrique Stevenson, all listed as DNP. Monangai is dealing with a knee issue, while Santos is working through a right hip injury and Stevenson has a hamstring problem.
Santos’ situation is the one that stands out most among the non-quarterback injuries. It would be the second straight season he has dealt with an injury that could cost him time. Jake Moody, who filled in for him last year, is currently a free agent and could be an option for Chicago if needed.
Stevenson’s absence only adds to the Bears’ issues in the secondary. If he can’t go, rookie Malik Muhammad could be in line for CB2 duties, with Cam Lewis potentially sliding in at nickel.
There were also two limited participants: Noah Sewell, who is dealing with an Achilles injury, and Shemar Turner, who is listed with a knee injury. Both players are on the PUP list and are practicing this week, with their 21-day window now open. That gives the Bears 21 days to activate them to the 53-man roster.
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The larger point is less about one player's success or another's inconsistency than what these early returns say about the Bears' recent personnel decisions. Some former Chicago players have stepped into bigger roles, some have battled through uneven stretches, and all of it adds fuel to the ongoing debate over how Poles has managed talent and turnover. It is still early, but the way these ex-Bears are performing elsewhere is already giving Chicago supporters plenty to chew on. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Have A New Opening In Any Future Maxx Crosby Pursuit
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For the Bears, any future pursuit would still hinge on much more than mutual admiration. Crosby once sought a trade out of Las Vegas, but he remains with the Raiders as they opened the season 2-0, which means there is no immediate opening. Still, when a player of his caliber is already on Chicagos list and speaks positively about the quarterback, it is the kind of thread front offices tend to remember. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Head Into Eagles Matchup With One Massive Question Unsettled
Ben Johnson spent the week talking up the challenge ahead of the Bears Monday Night Football trip to Philadelphia, where a talented Eagles team is waiting and the margin for error figures to be slim. The first-year coach stressed preparation and the need for a strong game plan, with Chicago trying to find a way to handle the matchup by playing fast and sound football.
The bigger issue, though, is under center, where the Bears are expected to be without Caleb Williams and still do not have their replacement settled. Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent are the names in the mix, and the decision hanging over game day adds a layer of uncertainty to a test that was already going to be difficult. For a team trying to steady itself against one of the leagues better opponents, the quarterback answer may end up shaping everything. [Read more 🡒]